The brainchild of Paolo Soleri who believed arcology* could be a radical alternative to urban sprawl. This architectural laboratory in the Arizona desert started in the 1970s, funded by the sale of Soleri's windchimes. Today, Arcosanti hosts tours, workshops, and events like global stiltwalking conventions.

Arcology is the fusion of architecture with ecology. The multi-use nature of arcology design would put living, working, and public spaces within easy reach of each other and walking would be the main form of transportation within the city. An arcology’s direct proximity to uninhabited wilderness would provide the city dweller with constant immediate and low-impact access to rural space as well as allowing agriculture to be situated near the city, maximizing the efficiency of a local food distribution system. Arcology would use passive solar architectural techniques such as the apse effect, greenhouse architecture and garment architecture to reduce the energy usage of the city, especially in terms of heating, lighting and cooling. arcosanti.org

Only 5% of the master plan has been completed, so if you'd like to see a city of the future come to fruition, feel free to donate.